Ashley's family and friends gathered around his death bed to say their final goodbyes before he lost his battle with dementia, and viewers were left in tears as he woke up and recognised his wife Laurel.

He said her name for the first time in months moments before passing away, and fans have praised the show's writers for keeping the emotional death scene true to life.

They also singled out John as well as his co-star Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, for their stunning performances - and declared the cast and crew should be showered with awards for their efforts.

On thin Ice

BACK IN BLACK

Ashley’s storyline has had a profound effect on the Emmerdale audience, but John has admitted it had a greater influence on him than he ever thought possible.

Speaking to The Sun, John said: “You can't get away from the fact that it's harrowing. It's uncomfortable to see yourself dying. It's nothing unusual to play death [but] nevertheless, it did signal the end of 20 years of my life.